It’s fairly easy to feel overwhelmed by all the different types of rug materials—and the hefty price tags attached to many of them—if you’re new to the rug shopping game.
The three main factors to consider when choosing a rug are style, placement, and price. You might also want to consider how simple it is to clean the rug, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you prefer particular kinds of materials.
It’s crucial to understand the various types of rug materials available before considering your area rug’s design.
Continue reading this article as we discuss the different types of rug materials you can get in the market.
1. Wool Rugs
Rugs of wool are typically handwoven, hand-tufted, hand-knotted, or hand-loomed. Wool rugs are made on machines, but they are usually made from synthetic rather than actual wool.
Due to the extensive work involved in designing and creating them. Authentic wool rugs are more expensive, but the quality is excellent.
Also, wool rugs are frequently passed down from generation to generation, making them a wise investment as heirlooms.
This kind of rug is perfect for high-traffic areas like the living room, bedroom, and entryway because of its durability.
Imagine a rug that is as luxurious and comfortable as your go-to sweater. Thanks to the luxuriously soft wool pile, you can lounge barefoot anywhere in your house.
Also, wool’s dense fibers are crush-resistant. So they will recover over time, even in a home with boisterous children and pets.
Furthermore, You should consider the Highland-resistant quality of wool if you prioritize an easy-to-clean construction.
An area rug made from sheep’s wool will remain thick, and plush. And colorful in areas with heavy traffic because sheep’s natural oils repel water, dust, and dirt.
2. Silk Rugs
Silk rugs are lovely and elegant, offering an opulent sheen and graceful softness. Also, silk is delicate and incredibly decorative, so you’ll want to flaunt it.
However, low-traffic areas are where it works best. A 100% silk rug needs a little more maintenance than other rug materials due to its shimmer.
Also, combined wool and silk rug fibers can provide the same dramatic appearance as silk with greater durability and more straightforward maintenance.
A silk rug, which is nothing short of magnificent, will assist you in giving your home a chic, designer look. This is one of the different types of rug materials.
3. Cotton Rugs
Cotton is a fun and affordable rug material as a less expensive option for more costly rugs made of wool or silk.
Toombs cautions against anticipating a lengthy lifespan for your cotton area rug because cotton tends to fade quickly and is not stain-resistant.
Cotton rugs work well in informal settings and are a good choice if you want to switch up your rug according to the season or your mood.
4. Polypropylene Rugs
Wool is just as dense and luxurious as polypropylene, but it costs less. A polypropylene rug is not your typical dishrag, despite being incredibly strong, water-resistant, and simple to clean. It’s a wise choice for a rug for a modern household constantly on the go or a frequent hostess.
Moreover, A polypropylene rug is strong enough to be used outdoors for chilly nights on the patio despite having a blanket-soft, fuzzy feel that resembles wool’s lustrous fibers.
Also, swap out these less expensive rugs with trendy patterns and bold colors to make your home cozier, brighter, and more stylish.
5. Viscose Rugs
A magically soft synthetic fabric with a beautiful sheen is viscose. This rug material imitates silk’s low pile and smooth texture, allowing you to get a sleek rug for less money.
The delicate fabric is ideal for designing a beautiful, private space where you don’t want to sink into a plush rug.
To keep those glossy fibers looking new, they need to be used sparingly and cleaned meticulously.
Viscose is excellent for simulating a relaxing hotel getaway in low-key spaces because of its opulent and romantic vibes. This is one of the different types of rug materials.
6. Jute And Bamboo Rugs
Natural rug materials like jute and bamboo can give any interior space a coastal feel. According to Toombs, these are an excellent option for rooms that need texture and are a good value, particularly in areas that call for a sizable rug.
“Layering natural rugs under smaller, more decorative rugs is another great idea. For instance, if you want to use a beautiful 6-by-9-foot rug that is too small to fit your seating arrangement, layer it over a natural woven rug that is the right size.”
Choose the location of these rugs carefully because some can leave watermarks and be challenging to clean.
Also, a jute or bamboo rug for an outdoor area should be approved for exposure to the elements.
7. Leather, Hide, And Sheepskin Rugs
These animals’ hides are used to create leather and sheepskin rugs. While sheepskins and hides are entire animal hides, leather rugs can be made from woven strips, according to Wood.
These pieces work well in cramped quarters, oddly shaped rooms, and lavish layering.
Furthermore, Sheepskins, according to Wood, are relatively simple to clean. Depending on their size, you can either wash them in the washing machine or by hand using a mild detergent.
Having something plush to step on first thing in the morning is especially great for layering on furniture or setting next to your bed. This is one of the different types of rugs materials.
8. Jute And Sisal Rugs
Both sisal and jute are robust and elegant rug types. Their thick, woven piles give bare feet the sensation of getting massaged.
Although appealing, the prickly texture is unsuitable for playing with children or relaxing. Cat claws and high heels can snag the grittier, sandier knots.
These organic weave rugs are healthier for your family because they are less likely to hold allergens due to the rope-like construction.
You can layer these nubby rugs with more vibrant patterns for visual interest because the beige hue of jute and sisal fibers is neutral and timeless.
9. Faux Fur and Faux Hide Rugs
Consider a faux hide or fur rug if you don’t like the idea of owning a natural animal hide or if your budget is limited.
According to Wood, “faux fur rugs are typically power woven and frequently made of acrylic and synthetic blends.” These are fantastic for people who want fur luxury without worrying about how ethically you obtained it.
Also, they are not as simple to clean as the real thing and are prone to shedding, especially when new. This is one of the different types of rug materials.
10. Microfiber Rugs
Another type of synthetic rug is one made of microfiber. Microfiber rugs are either made entirely of polyester or combine polyester and other synthetic fibers.
According to Wood, microfiber rugs use tiny thread strands to give them a plush feel. Although they are frequently machine-woven, they can imitate the appearance of more expensive wool rugs.
PET, created from recycled plastic bottles and a little softer to the touch, stands out among synthetic rug materials.
Furthermore, according to Woods, synthetic rugs are inexpensive, making them ideal for adding a quick splash of color without making a sizable investment.
However, because the smooth strands can’t trap dirt, synthetic fiber rugs look dirty faster than genuine wool or other natural fiber rug types.
